Why Your HVAC System Isn’t Working As Well As It Should
Your HVAC system sends temperature-regulated air through ductwork into different areas of your home. The blower of an all-electric HVAC unit uses propane or oil, or natural gas as fuel to heat the furnace.
Every room is equipped with vents (or registers). They are located on the ceiling or walls, or floors. If possible, keep them open to ensure air is flowing properly throughout your home.
Thermostat
The thermostat is an important element of your HVAC system. It regulates the temperature in your home by turning off and on the compressor and fan until they reach a set temperature, and it also switches on the air exchanger in order to pull fresh, outside air into your home while exchanging stale indoor air out through your ductwork.
The majority of thermostats are digital. However, older models do exist. Digital thermostats are controlled by the thermostat. This device has metals which change resistance as temperature changes. The thermistor, connected to a control unit, converts the resistance change into temperature. Thermostats are available in variety of styles that include programmable and smart thermostats that allow you to track your home’s energy usage and adjust it accordingly.
Thermostats can be positioned on the walls of your home’s interior, usually in the rooms that are most frequently used. The location of your thermostat can affect its accuracy. For instance, a thermostat located in direct sunlight might read hotter than the actual temperature of the room and cause your system to run too much or not operate at all. If your thermostat isn’t functioning correctly, try resetting the device. If this doesn’t work then contact an AC technician.
If you’re considering changing your thermostat, you should check out the various options available for you and consider the possibility of a programmable thermostat to save money on your energy bills. A thermostat that can be programmed will automatically adjust the temperature of your home to meet your schedule instead of having to manually alter your HVAC system on a regular basis. It’s also worth checking to determine if you can locate a better model that can provide you with even greater savings on energy, like an energy-efficient or ENERGY STAR-certified thermostat.
Condenser
Condensers are usually the cause when your air conditioner isn’t functioning as well as it should. The condenser is made up of a variety of parts that all need to be working in sync in order for the unit to function. If any of these parts get damaged or worn out, the whole system can be impacted. Condenser problems include a broken condenser control board or leaks of refrigerant.
The refrigerant gas produced by the compressor is pushed into the condenser, where a fan blows cool outside air over the coils. This allows the refrigerant gas cooling and to return to liquid form. This liquid at low pressure is chilled and then moved back into the evaporator to continue the cooling process. The process is repeated until the desired temperature for your business or home is achieved.
To keep your condenser running efficiently, make sure that the area surrounding it is clean of any debris. The condenser’s fan could pull leaves, twigs and other debris into the unit, causing blockages and preventing the cooling system from operating efficiently. It is also a good idea to keep the bushes and trees cut back so that they don’t cause obstruction on the unit. This will decrease the chances that berries, nuts, or branches get into the system and clog it. Keep your condenser in good condition to extend the lifespan of your AC by a minimum of 1-2 years.
Evaporator
The evaporator is the part that moves warm air into your home. It is comprised of a series of tubing that is u-shaped, and set into panels. The air from the blower fan is blown over these coils. This draws heat from indoor air and then transfers it to the refrigerant. The refrigerant liquid is transformed into a gas, then circulated throughout the cooling system to cool the indoor air.
The law of thermodynamics states that heat is transferred from colder to warmer objects. If the evaporator operates correctly, this heat energy is transferred from warm air to the colder refrigerant. This causes the refrigerant gas to evaporate or boil. During this process, the latent heat (which cannot be measured with a thermometer) is transferred from air to refrigerant.
These coils have been designed with specific shapes that improve heat transfer. These are known as fins and increase the surface area to aid in the transfer of heat. Copper and aluminum are both used to make evaporators, each with its own advantages.
A evaporator with an accumulation of organic growth is susceptible to problems. This can be a result of mold or mildew. If this happens, the bacteria can produce a foul smell that will spread throughout the home. This could cause discomfort.
To avoid these issues, it is important to choose an evaporator that can be easily cleaned and maintained. It is also a good idea to consider the environment you will be working in when choosing an evaporator. Some are designed to withstand harsh conditions, while others can work well in moderate environments. You should also make sure that the evaporator you choose to purchase is protected by a warranty that will protect you and your investment.
Fan
The fan that blows air in your HVAC system circulates cold or hot air through your home until you reach the temperature setting. The fan can either be set to auto or constant. We recommend keeping the fan running constant for maximum efficiency and to cut down on electricity bills. If your system’s fan is continuously running, we can replace it with a new ECM blower motor, which is up to 70% more efficient than old PSC motors and will pay for itself in savings over the life of the unit.
If your fan is only running on the high setting, a broken relay switch or short circuit could be blocking the settings you set on the thermostat from reaching your fan.
Filter
The filter is used to circulate air around the house before it is heated or cooled. It removes impurities and keeps dust and pet dander from entering the system and contaminating the internal components. It shields the family from illnesses spread by airborne pathogens. It also ensures that the system is functioning properly. A dirty filter causes the system to work harder, which could cause it to overheat and ultimately break down.
homeowners should replace their filters regularly. The label will inform them if they should do it every 30 days or every 90 days. If a homeowner isn’t certain which kind of filter they should use and should seek advice from an HVAC professional. A professional can help homeowners select the best filter for their home, based on factors like climate, how often they use their system, and even personal preferences, such as whether there are allergy sufferers in the home.
The filter is usually located at the return air duct or in certain cases, in the blower compartment of the furnace. The return air duct is normally located on the ceiling, wall or floor of the utility closet. It typically has a large metal grille that covers the filters. Ideally, the filter is accessible to homeowners and service technicians to aid in cleaning and replacement.
Filters are rated by the MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating, which shows how effective they are in collecting different sizes of particles. A filter with a low MERV can filter larger particles such as pet dander or dust mites but not fine allergens and germs. High-MERV filters on the contrary, can capture many different contaminants without limiting normal airflow.